Boosting your immunity may seem a good idea, but a precise way to do so remains elusive for numerous reasons. The immune system is basically a system and not a single entity. It needs balance and harmony to function properly.
To protect your body from diseases, every part of your immune system needs to perform well. And to ensure that happens, you can follow some simple and natural ideas to boost your immune system’s effectiveness.
Diet changes to boost the immune system
The nutrients you get from food are very important to keep your immune system functioning properly. Fruits, vegetables, and nuts are loaded with nutrients that our immune system needs to stay in top health. For example, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli help support liver function, a key player in our body’s natural detoxification process. Eat a balanced diet to ensure the proper functioning of the immune system, as nutrient deficiencies can derail your immune system
Impact of stress on the immune system
Several illnesses like stomach problems, hives, heart disease, etc., are connected to the effects of stress. Long-term stress can lead to elevated levels of a steroid hormone called cortisol. This has a beneficial effect of preventing the immune system from responding before the stress levels come down. However, when these cortisol levels are continuously high, it blocks the immune system from kicking into gear and protecting the body against potential threats. So try to do at least one stress-reducing activity each day to keep your stress levels under control.
Cold and immunity
Recent research has found that moderate exposure to cold has no ill effects on the immune system. However, you can strengthen your immune system against the cold by including immune system boosters like citrus fruits, broccoli, garlic, ginger, yogurt, almonds, etc., in your diet.
Changes in lifestyle
Some simple changes in your lifestyle go a long way in boosting the immune system. For instance, smoking releases toxic chemicals like nicotine in our body that weakens our immune system. So quitting it can help the system grow and function healthily. Also, either avoid drinking alcohol or drink moderately. Useful resources like counseling can help get over such habits. Also, get sufficient sleep and follow all safety and sanitization protocols to avoid infection.
Using herbs and supplements to improve immunity
Whether an herb or supplements can enhance immunity is a highly debatable matter. Scientists have yet to figure out if an herb that seems to raise antibody levels can actually do anything beneficial for the immune system. However, some herbal tonics made from ingredients like honey have proven to support the functions of the immune system. Additionally, there is some truth to the idea that vitamins and probiotics can help people who have intestinal problems, reduce risks to several diseases or relieve lactose intolerance symptoms.
Effects of age on immunity
Our immune system tends to weaken bit by bit as we age. This can contribute to more infections and other diseases as the system becomes slower to respond. According to many studies, older adults are more likely to fall severely ill and die early because of it compared to younger people. Even the effect of vaccines is comparatively reduced in the elderly. However, it is important to get vaccines on time to prevent health problems. Eating healthy food and exercising regularly can also reduce the chances of the immune system from becoming weak.
Exercise
It helps decrease the chances of developing major health problems like heart disease as it causes changes in antibodies and white blood cells that strengthen the immune system and help fight such diseases. The brief rise in our body temperature during exercise also prevents bacteria from growing and helps fight infection. Moreover, it also slows down the release of stress hormones.
Conclusion
With these minor efforts and changes in our daily routine, we can ensure a healthy immune system. Moreover, these natural ways can help one age gracefully.
If you wish to know more about natural ways of strengthening the immune system, our professional medical staff at 8-2-8 Urgent Care walk-in clinic in Oceanside, CA, can help you.
